[fish4fun]

I am considering getting an inflatable boat, kayak or canoe. Anyone have experience with these? Do they come rigged for fishing or is that separate? What are your experiences with them?

Thanks!

[twade]

A lot of places will not let you use them unless you have a hard fix floor For the money to find a decent hard bottom raft you might be better off finding a used canoe/kayak.

[Storm Warning]

twade wrote:

A lot of places will not let you use them unless you have a hard fix floor For the money to find a decent hard bottom raft you might be better off finding a used canoe/kayak.

Plywood cut to the shape of the bottom works great.

[Sorce]

I love my kayak, 10foot 45lbs, easy to load and store. I stay on inland lakes and at the preserves. I haven't ventured on to Michigan yet. There are a variety of fishing kayaks available. They are more stable than the runarounds. I also have a canoe but I prefer the kayak.

[twade]

HighTechRedneck wrote:

twade wrote:

A lot of places will not let you use them unless you have a hard fix floor For the money to find a decent hard bottom raft you might be better off finding a used canoe/kayak.

Plywood cut to the shape of the bottom works great.

True however before I got my canoe and kayak I considered a raft because of space etc. Thought the same thing but calling around a few places and a tip with the DNR when I called - even that option is questionable.

You just need to know where you are going to fish I guess.

[fish4fun]

I would prefer a regular kayak but I have nowhere to store it, and really dont want to install a roofrack on the car. Also seems like a great option to take with on camping trips without taking up much space.
Are there ways to customize these inflatables? adding rod holders and that sort of thing? Are bass pro and cabelas the best stores to look at these or is there another store?

[twade]

So many options.

I do not believe that you can install rod holders on a inflatable. You could install a scotty to the wood. Not sure, some might come with them.

Also, you don't need a full blown installed roof rack but you would need at least a removable rack on the roof for a kayak. Not for a canoe. Look at makers like Thule or Yakama. I got mine on craigslist for around $200.

You could look at things like http://www.seaeagle.com/ They also have foldable kayaks. Don't know much about them. http://www.folbot.com/

Some kayaks can be stored vertically. Can fit in a closet, Dicks has some ones on display.

I hope this helps.

[Howard Sprague]

Yeah, those Folbots look nice, I hope to get one someday. Packs up into 1-2 bags. They have sales once in awhile too, through their site.